From 2026, Honda will transfer its factory engine contract to Aston Martin, ending its successful association with Red Bull.
Following Honda’s initial decision to pull out of F1, which led to Red Bull deciding to take its engines in-house and partner with Ford for 2026, the Japanese brand was forced to look for a new engine partner. factory when she reversed her exit decision.
After being approached by several candidates, Honda was impressed by Aston owner Stroll’s ambition to put all the key elements in place for a title bid from 2026 onwards.
In an exclusive interview with Autosport, Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe says this goal is also shared by Honda.
Asked about Honda’s ambitions with its new partner, Watanabe replied: “To become world champion from 2026.
“We know it will be very difficult and it is not that easy, but we need good goals to do our best with Aston Martin.
“That’s why, with Stroll and Toshihiro Mibe [Honda CEO and president], we set ourselves the goal of only aiming for the world championship that year. In reality, it’s not that easy. »
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin AMR24
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
Assessing whether Aston Martin and Honda will have all the ingredients in place to challenge for the title, Watanabe added: “We are probably missing something. [right now]but we must tell ourselves what is missing.
“From an Aston Martin perspective, what’s missing from the Honda side and also what’s missing from the Aston Martin side. It’s an honest conversation about becoming a top team together.”
Pressing further on what so impressed Honda about Stroll’s plans for Aston Martin, Watanabe pointed to the team’s state-of-the-art facilities at Silverstone as a key indicator of the Canadian businessman’s seriousness in delivering on his plans. noble goals.
“After we signed up as a powertrain supplier for 2026, other teams contacted us because they were interested in working with Honda. Then we discussed with these parties and made a decision,” he explained .
“Honda was very impressed by Mr. Stroll’s strong passion and strong leadership in the fight for the world championship in 2026.
“They are investing a lot of money to establish the factory in Silverstone. We visited them to see the factory which was under construction.
“Many times we have meetings with Martin Withmarsh and Mike Krack, so the management team. They are very open and the whole team is working in the same direction, it’s a united team. It’s a very good picture for us.
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“At the same time, they also think that Honda is a good partner to become world champion.
“We have already set up a technical working team as well as a steering committee meeting to discuss some important issues that we may be able to improve.”
